I should have said no. I should have walked away, found Gabriel, hidden in the crowd. But his hand was warm on my back, and his eyes were dark, and I found myself nodding.
He led me to the dance floor. The music was slower now—a waltz, something intimate and close. He pulled me against him, his hand sliding down my spine, his fingers tracing the bare skin of my back.
"You're wearing this for him," he said. "For my father."
"I'm wearing it because he told me to."
"Same thing." His lips brushed my ear. "But I'm the one holding you. I'm the one who gets to touch you. And everyone in this room knows it."
"Nathan..."
"Hush." He spun me, pulled me back against his chest. "Just dance."
We danced. His hand was everywhere—on my waist, on my hip, sliding lower until his fingers brushed the bare skin of my thigh. I shivered. He smiled.
"I'm going to take you into the coat closet," he whispered. "And I'm going to fuck you so loud everyone hears."
"You wouldn't."
"Try me."
He spun me again, and this time his hand lingered on my thigh, his fingers slipping under the slit of my dress. I felt the heat of his touch like a brand, and my breath caught.
"Behave," I said.
"I don't know how."
I pulled away, stepping out of his arms. The music ended, and the dancers applauded, and I walked off the floor with my heart pounding and my face flushed.
Gabriel was waiting for me at the edge of the crowd.
"Monika," he said. "Are you okay?"
"I don't know anymore."
He took my hand and led me to a quieter corner, away from the crowd. His face was pale, his eyes worried, and I realized he'd been watching. He'd seen everything.
"Please," he said. "Please tell me he didn't hurt you."
"He didn't hurt me."
"He was touching you. In front of everyone."
"Nathan does what Nathan wants."
Gabriel's jaw tightened. "He's my brother. But I swear to God, if he ever—"
"Gabriel." I touched his face, my fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "I'm fine. I'm fine. Just... hold me for a minute. Please."
He wrapped his arms around me, and I buried my face in his chest. The silk of his jacket was soft beneath my cheek, and his heart was beating fast, and I felt something loosen in my chest.
"I love you," he said. "I know you don't want to hear it right now. I know everything is complicated. But I need you to know. I love you. I'll always love you."
"I know."
"I'm not trying to pressure you. I'm just—"
"I know." I lifted my head and kissed him. Soft. Quick. A promise. "I know, Gabriel."
